A: Clinical trials are designed to test and study the safety and effectiveness of investigational medications or treatments.

Q:Do I qualify to participate in a clinical trial?

A: Not everyone who wants to join a clinical research study will qualify. There are often extremely specific criteria for meeting the qualifications of a clinical trial. Our staff will ask a series of questions in a pre-screening interview. Sometimes, a second screening will take place to make sure you meet the qualifications for the trial.

Q:Why should I participate?

A: Participants in clinical trials play an active role in their own health care, gain access to cutting-edge research treatments before they are available to the general public. Your participation in a clinical trial helps others by contributing to the development of these treatments.

Q:What are my rights as a research participant?

A: As a research participant, you have the right to drop out of a study at anytime, the right to be given new information about the study, and the right to ask questions at anytime and have them answered promptly.

Q:Why are clinical trials necessary?

A: Clinical trials are an essential part of making sure the drugs and medical treatments we all use are safe and effective, compared to a placebo or to existing therapies. We conduct trials to predict how well a medication or therapy will perform in the general population when used to treat a certain condition.

Q:Do I have to have medical insurance to participate?

A: No. Medical insurance is not required. Study participants will receive study-related medical examinations and study-related medication at no cost. Eligible participants may receive compensation for their time and travel.

Q:Are clinical trials safe?

A: Our number one priority is the safety of all trial participants. That said, there may be the risk that one could be harmed from the drug or therapy that is being examined causing the potential for hospitalization or other medical intervention. There is also the risk that a participant will experience side effects from the drug they are receiving which can range from mild to severe. On the other hand, there are many benefits such as helping to further break-through drugs, gaining access to new potential treatments and therapies that have not yet been released to the general public, regular medical care and attention by medical professionals, and possible compensation.

Q:What is your privacy policy?

A: Carolina’s GI Research never shares or sells your personally identifiable information with any company or organization. From the time of your entrance into a clinical trial, you will only be identified by initials and a unique number to parties outside of Carolina’s GI Research that are participating in the conduct of the study. To learn more about the lengths we take to protect the privacy of our volunteers, visit our Privacy Policy page.